Harry Nilsson
Aerial Ballet

In "Aerial Ballet" (1968), his third work, Harry Nilsson confirms his talents: a strong songwriting vein and spectacular vocal and interpretative ability.

Compared to the previous albums, this one features many more tracks composed by Nilsson, with only one cover present. However, this single, solitary cover on "Aerial Ballet" is the greatest success of his entire career, somewhat confirming the thesis (mine, but not only) that despite his excellent songwriting abilities, his greatest gifts are his voice and interpretative sensitivity.

The cover in question is "Everybody's Talkin'", a wonderful song by the great folksinger Fred Neil. Nilsson never distorts the songs he reinterprets; on the contrary, he generally maintains a respectful fidelity to the original. The impression is that his approach to other people’s songs is spontaneous and natural, following both the score and his personal sensitivity. The result is magnificent; his fine tone and artistry infuse the song with the right dreamy melancholy of the lyrics, and the melody flows smoothly and irresistibly.

But "Aerial Ballet" certainly doesn’t stop there. The rest of the album is composed of all original material, which confirms Nilsson's excellent melodic taste, a master of chamber-pop contaminated by American country-folk and the ancient glories of music hall.

The most interesting track is "One", perhaps his best composition of his career, a delicate melody of rare beauty and arranged so effectively that it seems to emerge from the Fab Four's "Sgt. Pepper". It is quite a famous track, and over the years, many covers have been released (for example, I’m reminded of the "Magnolia" soundtrack).

A true cathartic immersion into Vaudeville can be found in "Daddy's Song", "Mr. Richard's Favorite", "Little Cowboy", "Mr. Tinker", and "Bath"; all very catchy tracks, well-arranged, with more or less serious and personal lyrics. Another remarkable piece is "Together", a chamber pop of great class, as well as the splendid "Don't Leave Me" and "Good Old Desk", a song that very much recalls a certain John Lennon musicality.

"Wailing Of The Willow" is the most traditional track, an intimate bossa nova over a melody suited to a crooner.

Overall, it is a great album, among the best works of Harry Nilsson.

Rating 8.5/10